We’ve all been there. Someone surprises you with a gift, and you have nothing to give in return. Well, not this year! Here are some thoughtful gift ideas that are easy to make and fun to receive.
diy cardboard box pet house
We can’t be the only household overrun with cardboard boxes! If you have friends with pets, get crafty and make them their very own home. This is just a basic model. You can get as fancy as you want! Add windows, paint the house, or add multiple rooms or levels!
diy crayons
If you have a bunch of broken crayons lying around the house, give them a second life by melting them into cute shapes and gifting them. In our example, we turned the crayons into bunnies for Easter, but you can use any silicone mold you have (or want to use).
diy window clings
While this post is focused on Valentine’s Day, the sky’s the limit when it comes to making window clings for your loved ones! You can freestyle your own designs or use cookie cutters as a guide. You could even write fun messages or someone’s name.
gingerbread mochi
Gingerbread and mochi? Yes and yes! This beautiful blend of spice and sweetness encapsulates the holiday season. Whip up a batch for your loved ones, and they’ll be asking for more every year!
healthier party mix
I always look forward to receiving a bag (or many bags) of party mix during the holidays. Here’s a healthier version that trades the butter and sugar for olive oil and herbs without sacrificing flavor.
marshmallow popcorn balls
These chewy, gooey popcorn balls are a delightful treat, especially when you make them in festive colors like green and red and top them with sprinkles.
papaya seed dressing
If you’re wondering, “What kind of gift is salad dressing?” My answer is, “A terrific one!” Homemade dressing is a unique and healthy gift, especially when the receiver is trying to maintain a minimalist lifestyle or incorporate more veggies in their diet. For added flair, write the dressing recipe on a gift tag and affix to the bottle.
peanut butter blossoms
These festive and delicious cookies are a classic holiday treat! One batch yields about 15 cookies (depending on how big you make them), so we won’t tell if you enjoy a few for yourself!
raspberry oatmeal bars
The great thing about this recipe is that you likely have most of the ingredients since oatmeal is a breakfast favorite. Feel free to substitute the raspberry preserves with any fruit of choice.
santa and elf gift tags
We provide the template for these adorable gift tags, and you can make them as fancy or as simple as you’d like! You can use construction paper and self-adhesive jewels or markers to draw the buttons and belts. Both end results will be appreciated!
self-care kit
If you know someone who puts everyone’s needs before their own, a self-care kit is exactly what they need. You can definitely personalize it based on what they like (or need), but we have a few ideas to get you started.
sweet and simple snack lei
A personalized snack lei can be a meaningful holiday gift. You just need some snacks, ribbon, and a few other household supplies.
New year, fresh start!
This year, make your health a priority! Check out these inspirational stories of folks taking care of themselves and others:
